Marge Simpson, the long-suffering wife of dysfunctional dad Homer in TV's The Simpsons', has become the first animated character to appear in Playboy, in a feature to mark the hit cartoon's 20th anniversary.

She appears on the front cover of the November issue, her modesty saved only by the ears of Playboy Bunny chair. Inside there is an interview entitled "The Devil in Marge Simpson" and three pages of pictures.

Marge joins a list of stars who have posed for the magazine since its first edition in 1953, who include supermodel Cindy Crawford, Baywatch actress Pamela Anderson and screen siren Marilyn Monroe.

The magazine's editor James Jellinek has refused to confirm if the mum-of-three from Springfield will retain her modesty, but said: "It's very, very racy."

It is believed the magazine will become a collector's item, as Marge will only feature on magazines sold on news stands.

The Fox Broadcasting Company cartoon, which first aired in the US on the Tracy Ullman Show in December 1989, was created by Matt Groening. In its 20-year history celebrities from around the world have appeared as guests on the show, including Paul McCartney, Michael Jackson, Elizabeth Taylor, Elton John and Ricky Gervais.

The 21st series began last month in the America and it will run for at least a further two years, making it the country's longest-ever running primetime show.

The family also made it on to the big screen in The Simpsons Movie, which was released in 2007.

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